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Hi...I'm making a career change to become a school librarian/media specialist. I was just accepted to an MLIS program that will also give me school library certification. But now I've been reading that elementary schools often only require an associate school library degree, not a master's. Is this true? Is it worth it to switch programs, since the associate degree will take less time (and cost less)? I'd appreciate any advice.
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I would recommend going for the master's. You will be able to change jobs and advance more quickly within the LIS field with a master's, if the need should arise in the future. Also, the pay is sometimes lower for school librarians without a master's degree in elementary schools, as they are sometimes not hired in as "librarians", but rather library assistants, or a similar job title, meaning less pay.... (since only one degreed/certified librarian is required in a school district in some places) I imagine this varies in different parts of the country.
Check out the Talking Books Librarian blog at http://talkingbookslibrarian.blogspot.com
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I would also check state-by-state as every state has different requirements.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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I agree with bcgray, as I know that some states require an MLS with a media specialty, and others don't. If you want flexiblility, I would definitely get the degree. And, if you find that you have trouble finding a job in a school library quickly, you will be all ready to go to a public library, or even (possibly) a community college media center. Don't think just in terms of one year, or one type of employer, when you get your degree!
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Thanks, that makes sense. I was all set to get the master's (and I did appreciate having the flexibility to work anywhere, just in case), but I saw some info today and panicked a bit. Thanks for the advice!
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Here is another consideration:
Are you already a teacher? Please make sure that you look up all the rules and requirements in your state to be a school librarian. My state, and many others, require that you are a certified teacher with X number years of experience. I started in the school librarian masters program, also earned my alternate certification in teaching and then.....did not get a teaching job. In this economy, teaching jobs are suddenly hard to land. No teaching job = no shot at a school librarian job.
Also, school librarian jobs are considered desirable, so they are more likely to go to teachers who have earned the certification just because the teachers will have great contacts and experience with the school system.
Luckily, I am in the MLS program, so I simply switched to the general librarianship program and will graduate in December 2009 with my Masters. So, in my opinion, the MLS will give you more flexibility in the long run.
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You can see certification requirements by state here: http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com/cert/index.htmlHTH!
Rachel Singer Gordon / rachel@lisjobs.comFind a library job: http://www.lisjobs.comThe Liminal Librarian: http://www.lisjobs.com/blog
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rebeccar415 wrote:Hi...I'm making a career change to become a school librarian/media specialist. I was just accepted to an MLIS program that will also give me school library certification. But now I've been reading that elementary schools often only require an associate school library degree, not a master's. Is this true? Is it worth it to switch programs, since the associate degree will take less time (and cost less)? I'd appreciate any advice. Please see my post under LIS Schools dated 12/23/08. MediaLib
Richard H. Horah, M.Ed Lane Library/Media Services Armstrong Atlantic State University 11935 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31419 richard.horah@armstrong.edu(912) 373.5633
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